Dealing with Work Overload

by David Rainham M.D., C.C.F.P.

'I have a very flexible boss. He lets me come in anytime I want before 9 and leave anytime I want after 5'. (Source unknown)

These days many employers are demanding a boost in productivity -which usually boosts employee stress levels as well! How can you avoid burning out when your workload jumps too high?

First, instead of telling yourself that this is a terrible situation and you'll never survive, remember that as with any stress, the outcome depends on your response -your beliefs, thoughts and actions.

Mentally step back, see the big picture and do some problem - solving. Basically, either you are going to stay in the job or you are not. Analyse your present situation - your finances, your marketable skills, and the chances of getting another job. Would this be a good opportunity to make a change and retrain for something you've always wanted to do?

If you absolutely need the job or want to stay in it, then you need to know whether you can actually do more. If someone else is doing it, then it's possible - usually by working harder or smarter. Then visualize in detail what your life would be like if you imitated that person and decide whether you want to take that route. But if it isn't possible then relax, because management must eventually reduce the load or give you help.

Either way, see yourself as having access to a mental toolbox full of responses which make you stronger in relation to the problem, enabling you to feel less stressed and probably happier as well. First, take care of your body. Eat mainly healthy foods, allocate time for intense exercise (for greater calmness, strength, and alertness) and use relaxation and short breaks to keep tension at a level which makes life more fun.

Adjust your attitude - see that you're not the only person facing this situation, it's simply the way things are. How bad is it on a 1-10 scale? Is there a positive in it - how can you become stronger for having dealt with it? Use your sense of humour, and see yourself as flexible and persistent.

Good time management helps in getting more done - and gives you more leisure. Closely track your time use - what can you can leave out or delegate? Set priorities and attack procrastination.

Use effective communication. Empathise with your boss - what pressure causes them to set such unreasonable targets? You cannot do something that's impossible, so refuse to feel guilty about it and be assertive. Don't say 'I can't finish the work', try 'I know you want more done, but there's a problem. There aren't enough hours in the day for one person to accomplish this amount of work. If you want it by Tuesday you'll need more staff' Put the problem in a factual way, propose a solution and state the consequence if you don't get help.

Look for support and advice from your co-workers and discuss the situation with your family, make them part of the solution.

Remember, even if these remedies don't work and you end up leaving the job, you'll still be stronger and able to adjust better to a new situation. As the philosopher Nietzche said ' That which doesn't kill me strengthens me'

For more information on life and work stress, visit www.optimumhealth.ca or call 1-800-771-5776

Dr. David Rainham is a family physician, author and speaker.
visit www.optimumhealth.ca